The actor who plays Tony Stark in the blockbuster films beat Channing Tatum and Hugh Jackman to the top of Forbes' annual list

Earning an estimated $75 million last year, the 48-year-old star of the Avengers and Iron Man films came top of Forbes' annual list.

Rumour has it, the former Hollywood bad boy was paid $50 million just for putting the Iron Man suit back on for film number three. So if he keeps that up, chances are he'll soar to the top of the list next year too.

Magic Mike's Channing Tatum, whose film CV includes Dear John, The Vow and 21 Jump Street, came in second, making an estimated $60 million last year, while Les Miserables and Wolverine star Hugh Jackman is the third highest paid actor in Hollywood with 2012 salary of $55 million.

Other actors in the top ten include The Great Gatsby's Leonardo DiCaprio and Oblivion's Tom Cruise.